What to Do If Your Child Has an Ear Infection

There’s something not quite right with your young one. You may notice he’s irritable and in distress. You may also notice redness and swelling around the outer ear. He may have trouble sleeping or hearing. He may even have a fever. Chances are, he’s got an earache. If you suspect your child is suffering from an earache, visit the office of Prime Immediate and Primary Care. Our skilled and caring professionals will diagnose the problem and provide the appropriate treatment.

Earaches usually occur in children between the ages of six months to three years of age. They can affect one or both ears, but the majority of the time it's in one ear. Most ear infections happen when a child has already had a cold for a few days. They’re caused by germs that travel through a tube (known as the Eustachian tube) that connects the middle ear with the back of the throat, causing infection. 

Who is at higher risk for ear infections:

• Children less than 5 years old, because they have shorter Eustachian tubes.
• Children who attend daycare, because they tend to have more colds.
• Children with allergies.
• Children who are exposed to cigarette smoke.

If your child doesn’t have too much discomfort or a high fever, the best course of action is to wait a couple of days to see if the ear infection gets better on its own. If symptoms don’t improve or get worse, we will prescribe antibiotics, sometimes in combination with a pain reliever. Children usually feel better within a day or two after starting an antibiotic. 

Parents know their child best — and you know when something is not right. When that time comes, it’s time to call the office of Prime Immediate and Primary Care, where your child’s health is always in the best of hands. For more information on the many services we provide, give us a call today.